Just catching up on the mini-podcasts, and I heard the one about 'flannel.' It doesn't just mean that someone is talking a load of rubbish, but has the overtone that it involves flattery to the listener, or sometimes is an excuse for the speaker who is attempting to talk his way out of some trouble. I have never heard it used to mean nonsense without those contexts.

Chris

Post edited 1:07AM – Aug-15-09 by Phil

I think this is more proof that there is no such thing as an absolute synonym. Malarky carries the subtext of an absurd lie, while Bunkum (sp?) has the connotation of absurd reasoning. I have never used the terms pants or flannel to describe this idea, being well served by the universal bulls**t.